Tinlicker “Slipstream” feat. Julia Church out now on [PIAS] Électronique + Exclusive Interview

Hey guys, thanks for speaking with me! Where did the name Tinlicker come from?
The name was created as a fun take on a process called circuit bending. Which is the creative, chance-based customisation of the circuits within electronic devices to create new musical instruments. And if you don’t have enough hands while soldering, you’d have to use your tongue and lick the tin to make it work. However the meaning for us is more to not take things for granted. Scrape the bottom and appreciate what you have been given.

Tell me about your new single “Slipstream” out now on [PIAS] Électronique.
It’s always hard to explain, because it takes away a bit of the magic when you dissect a song. For us music is always a translation of feeling (or a situation) we have or had, but its beauty lies in the fact that everybody can interpret the song differently and give it its own meaning.

Who wrote the lyrics for that single? And what is your songwriting process? Do you sit down until the song is done, do you collaborate with the singer… I am always curious how a song like this comes to fruition.
Nathan Nicholson and Julia Church wrote the lyrics to the song, but the process can always be different. Sometimes you’re in the studio together. Sometimes we write music over the internet without even meeting one another. This was the case with Julia. So far we haven’t met her, but we’re looking forward.

What was your experience working with Julia on this release? Any plans for future collaborations with her?
Her voice is golden and she was the perfect fit for this track. The way everything leads up into the chorus, “Wanna be your love,” gives me goosebumps, so I guess it’s very well executed.

Who designed the cover art?
We came up with the idea to freeze flowers. The image of grasping that moment in time before it might fade and turn into something else is majestic. So we decided to buy flowers and drown them in water and put them in the fridge and take pictures. This is the result and Annelise (the creative director of [PIAS]) finished the layout.

This is your debut release on [PIAS] Électronique, the electronic off-shoot of independent music giants [PIAS]. What was your experience like working with them? And did you find them, or did they come to you?
It’s been great. When we started our live show we also started a new journey of merging our dance orientated music with indie (band related) music, as a lot of our inspiration comes from music outside of the dance industry. [PIAS] being the biggest independent label in the world felt like the right fit for what we want to do. They have such a great roster of people and acts, that we’re very excited for the future.

You guys are headed to Europe soon. A lot of big shows lined up. Any plans to visit the United States next year? I’d love to see you perform!
There are plans but nothing concrete. However I’m sure we’ll be back.

You recently did a Q&A on Reddit. How was that? Any “off the wall” questions you didn’t see coming?
It’s fun to engage with fans and we like the weird questions, but sometimes it’s hard to give an honest answer. (Laughs.)

You guys formed Tinlicker in 2012. How did you first meet and what inspired you to start producing music together?
I (Micha) started Tinlicker and when I released my first EP, Nicole (the lady that did the PR for the release) happened to also do the PR for Jordi’s solo project Mike Luck. She said you guys are from the same city making music that feels aligned to each other, so maybe you should meet? And so we did. After a few beers we decided to plan a few studio dates and those felt so natural that we decided to join forces and the rest is history

Like No Other EP dropped in 2014. How has your sound changed over the years and are you working on any new music right now, or just preparing for the upcoming tour dates?
I hope our music changed, as things always keep evolving and that’s the way to keep it interesting. Maybe the sound became more organic and more song orientated in parts, but still with a connection to dance. We’re always working on new music, just finding the time to finish songs can be hard with touring.

Do you prefer playing festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra or smaller, more intimate gigs? I imagine seeing you play at 2am on a Friday night in the basement of a nightclub somewhere in Old Town London.
The best shows are the shows where you have a connection with the crowd and it’s easier to find this connection in an intimate club, but when this connection falls into place with a big crowd on a festival it’s magical.

You guys are selling some merchandise on your website. Shirts and stuff like that… But tell me about the pin pack. That is SO cool! What a fun idea. And for only € 12, too!
We had a release on mau5trap and those comic characters of us were the cover. This just felt like a nice little gimmick to have.

What are you listening to when you’re not working on your next release? Who inspires you and who are you going to see perform next?
We hardly listen to dance music, we basically listen to bands like Radiohead, Ry X, War on Drugs, Khruangbin, Agnes Obel, Chromatics, Patrick Watson, Little Dragon, London Grammar, Nihls Frahm, etc. and a lot of classical music. I just bought tickets to see Depeche Mode.

Where is the best place to learn more about Tinlicker? I’m guessing you are active on social media sharing your travels for us all to see.
Probably our Instagram.

What’s next for Tinlicker? And how will you prepare for your upcoming EU tour?
When we get back from the USA we had the honour to officially open ADE with the Metropole Orkest this year and after that we’ll focus on new music for the live tour next year.

We talked about a lot today. What did I miss? Is there anything else you’d like to share with me about Tinlicker?
We should have exciting news soon, but right now we’re just craving for some sleep. (Laughs.)

Thanks for doing this, guys. That was really fun. Honored to sit down with you both. In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
Thanks for your time and we’d just like to thank everybody for all the love and support we get to make this all happen.